To begin with, Dr. W. asked us to see if we could find some logical grouping for the poems. I wasn't sure if he meant sequentially or just motifs, but for me the following was a pattern I'd identify as a possibility:
I-XV: EBB resists, still overcome with grief
XVI-XXXI: Mutual infatuation gradually evolves into love
XXXII-XLIV: Graduate shift from initial spark of adoration into genuine long-term commitment
Another question we were asked to address is the nature of love poetry and an example. Although you could argue for nearly any of these titles, I am sure, one that struck me while reading through was XXIV:
Let the world's sharpness like a clasping knife
Shut in upon itself and do no harm
In this close hand of Love, now soft and warm,
And let us hear no sound of human strife
After the click of the shutting. Life to life -
I lean upon thee, Dear, without alarm,
And feel as safe as guarded by a charm
Against the stab of worldlings, who if rife
Are weak to injure. Very whitely still
The lilies of our lives may reassure
Their blossoms from their roots, accessible
Alone to heavenly dews that drop not fewer;
Growing straight, out of man's reach, on the hill.
God only, who made us rich, can make us poor.
What I thought this vividly communicated about love is the rush of invincibility that accompanies the feeling that someone else knows you well and cares deeply about you. And I think there's also a unique flavor to a love that comes late(r) in life - I notice here she's not denying the evils or harshness of the world, but instead just asking that they be allowed a few moments to enjoy the admitted fantasy that their love can close around them in complete protection. Despite the consistent overflow of emotion there's also a distinct realism (I'm not sure if it's Marvin's imaginative realism or not, but...) testifying that this isn't either party's first rodeo that I think gives her feelings a credibility they'd lack if etched in the science notebook of a girl in junior high. The knife is there, and can't be totally denied, but for a few moments let's pretend that we can keep it safely closed one another and those we care most deeply about.
I-XV: EBB resists, still overcome with grief
XVI-XXXI: Mutual infatuation gradually evolves into love
XXXII-XLIV: Graduate shift from initial spark of adoration into genuine long-term commitment
Another question we were asked to address is the nature of love poetry and an example. Although you could argue for nearly any of these titles, I am sure, one that struck me while reading through was XXIV:
Let the world's sharpness like a clasping knife
Shut in upon itself and do no harm
In this close hand of Love, now soft and warm,
And let us hear no sound of human strife
After the click of the shutting. Life to life -
I lean upon thee, Dear, without alarm,
And feel as safe as guarded by a charm
Against the stab of worldlings, who if rife
Are weak to injure. Very whitely still
The lilies of our lives may reassure
Their blossoms from their roots, accessible
Alone to heavenly dews that drop not fewer;
Growing straight, out of man's reach, on the hill.
God only, who made us rich, can make us poor.
What I thought this vividly communicated about love is the rush of invincibility that accompanies the feeling that someone else knows you well and cares deeply about you. And I think there's also a unique flavor to a love that comes late(r) in life - I notice here she's not denying the evils or harshness of the world, but instead just asking that they be allowed a few moments to enjoy the admitted fantasy that their love can close around them in complete protection. Despite the consistent overflow of emotion there's also a distinct realism (I'm not sure if it's Marvin's imaginative realism or not, but...) testifying that this isn't either party's first rodeo that I think gives her feelings a credibility they'd lack if etched in the science notebook of a girl in junior high. The knife is there, and can't be totally denied, but for a few moments let's pretend that we can keep it safely closed one another and those we care most deeply about.